School charity receives donation boost from businesses
11/25/20, 11:56 AM
A charity which rehomes good-quality office furniture and computers that might otherwise go to landfill or be sold has been inundated with donations.
Business2Schools launched in March 2019 and currently has 850 schools registered all across the UK with more than 107 in West Sussex.
Lindsey Parslow, chief executive of Business2Schools, said: “Lockdown has been incredibly busy for our charity. We were offered quite a lot of furniture early in the year and when those donations were stalled by Covid-19 we weren't sure how much appetite there would be to get things to schools once commercial removers were able to get back to work.
“Schools have loved it because it has helped encourage staff about coming back to work and teachers were keen to see all the new things in their classrooms.”
Two recent donations have come from Freshfields in Fleet Street, which donated 7,000 tonnes of furniture and by the time the charity is finished it will reach 70 schools.
Claire Wills, Freshfields’ London managing partner said: “We were delighted to partner with Business2Schools during our recent London office move. As an organisation committed to sustainability and responsible business, it was important that our furniture and tech items went to new homes where they could have a positive impact. It has been a hugely rewarding opportunity to help improve the infrastructure in the schools, particularly in a year when children’s learning environments have been disrupted.”
Schools which benefited include Chichester High School, Lavant Primary School, and the Angmering School.
Capita’s Rochester Row office is heading to 25 schools.
Jennie Colville, Capita’s responsible business director said: “We are grateful to Business2Schools for finding new homes for additional furniture that we have which is no longer needed. Supporting local communities to thrive is part of our commitment to be a responsible business and we’re delighted that our furniture is having a positive impact on young peoples’ learning environments.”
Lindsey added: "The first delivery went to Funtington School. And 25 schools across London and the Home Counties have been receiving Capita furniture during November.
"They have really impacted Chichester and West Sussex with their fantastic donations."
Business2Schools now has a warehouse to hold the office furniture, so is able to take even more donations from businesses.
Lindsey said: "Schools love being connected with these businesses and through really challenging times we have managed to bring some happy news stories."
For any businesses wanting to donate furniture, visit www.business2schools.com or you can donate money visit: justgiving.com/business2schools
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